ASHRAE Report Illustrates Challenges of Meeting Energy Targets for Federal Buildings
November 19, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
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Federal agencies may have to make significant process changes to meet the mandated 30% energy reduction in federal buildings by 2015, according to a new report from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (AHSRAE).
The report details the challenges of meeting the requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA).
One of the main changes recommended is alteration of funding mechanisms by Congress.
According to the report, appropriators and oversight committees need to recognize that previous funding patterns may need to change, as additional up-front funds may be needed to implement energy savings.
However, long-term costs will fall with lower energy expenditures.
One suggested strategy for funding improvement is establishing a governmentwide revolving fund for energy improvements and energy-efficient equipment purchases, to be funded in part by the energy savings agencies would realize from long-term improved energy-efficiency efforts.
The report also mentions the hope that agencies be given greater flexibility in managing their portfolios by selling unneeded assets and retaining funds to improve existing buildings.
Technical feasibility is also a major consideration in meeting EISA requirements. An integrated design process for both construction and renovations is essential; bringing together appropriators, procurement officers, design and construction teams, facility managers, project managers, training teams and building occupants from the first phases of a project can encourage the kinds of collaboration necessary to making energy-saving decisions, the report said.
Other areas of interest include:
- Education and training. These areas must be addressed, with opportunities for all agency employees with a focus on their particular roles within the organization - whether as building occupants, facilities management personnel or procurement officers. Also, as new technologies are implemented, training - particularly of operations and maintenance staff - is necessary to ensure these technologies operate at their ideal state to achieve energy savings.
- Case-study development to assist agencies and the private sector in developing best practices and learning from previous projects. Effective case studies of energy-efficient buildings will rely on measurement and verification of energy use and other data.
To download a copy of the federal building report, visit the ASHRAE web site.
Source: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (AHSRAE).